How to Use Mouthwash While Pregnant

by
EMMA CALE Last Updated: Jul 22, 2015

Emma Cale

Emma Cale has been writing professionally since 2000. Her work has appeared in “NOW Magazine,” “HOUR Magazine” and the “Globe and Mail.” Cale holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Windsor and advanced writing certificates from the Canadian Film Centre and the National Theatre School of Canada.

Close up of a pregnant woman's belly as she stands in front of a mirror.Photo Credit Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images

While pregnant, no known quantity of alcohol is considered safe for the baby, therefore many obstetricians recommend that pregnant women avoid alcohol completely as soon as they know they are pregnant. According to the American Pregnancy Association, alcohol affects human development and can cause irreparable cognitive, physical, and neurological birth defects. Since many mouthwashes are alcohol based, it is best not to use them during pregnancy. Alternatives include alcohol-free mouthwashes and mouthwashes made of natural ingredients.

Step 1

Seek clearance from your ob-gyn, doctor or health care practitioner before you begin using mouthwash. Your physician may have some suggestions as to what mouthwash will be safest for you and your baby.

Step 2

Step 3

Opt for a natural mouthwash, if you prefer. One suggestion is Tom’s of Maine Cleansing Mouthwash, which is alcohol free and contains ingredients such as aloe vera and witch hazel.

Step 4

Avoid panic if you have been using mouthwash with alcohol. Alcohol needs to be consumed to cause harm to the baby, therefore since mouthwash is rarely swallowed, the likelihood of fetal damage is small.

Tips

A 2009 animal study conducted by Australian researchers from the Hanson Institute found that zinc supplementation was able to overcome fetal abnormalities in mice as a result of exposure to alcohol. The findings were published in the April 2009 issue of the journal “Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.” Speak to your ob-gyn, doctor or health care practitioner about zinc supplementation if you are concerned about your baby as a result of exposure to alcohol based mouthwash.

Things You'll Need

Alcohol-free mouthwash

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